Lionesses Spotlight: Monischa Hieroms — finding confidence and belonging through Rugby League

Monischa Hieroms tried plenty of sports before finding one that felt right. An introduction from a friend brought her into rugby, and a willingness to try something new later led her to the Dutch Lionesses.

Born in the Netherlands, with Caribbean roots, Monischa runs a remote business helping brands with design and automation, including websites, logos and marketing.

Her route into rugby was far from inevitable.

“I tried many sports when I was younger and didn’t fit into most. I wanted to try lacrosse, but then an old friend of mine introduced me to rugby, and I never looked back.”

Rugby League arrived through another personal connection. A teammate mentioned that players were needed, and Monischa decided to give it a go.

“I thought, why not? I’m always down to learn new things.”

The confidence to make mistakes

What stood out at her first League training sessions was the encouragement to experiment without worrying about getting everything right.

“I remember being very encouraged to just try and make mistakes at practice. This made me learn significantly quicker and, in return, gave me more confidence.”

That freedom helped her embrace a new version of the sport—and reconsider a position she had previously been reluctant to play.

In Rugby Union, Monischa usually played on the wing, with occasional appearances at fullback “against my will”. League has changed her view.

“I must say, with League I’ve rather grown fond of fullback.”

“We show up anyway”

For Monischa, representing the Netherlands means persevering through the challenges of developing a sport with a small player base and limited resources.

She speaks openly about the practical difficulties: players learning a new code, coordinating training with an internationally based coach, and Rugby League competing for attention alongside the more established Rugby Union game.

From her perspective as a player, financial support is also limited. Together, those challenges make the commitment of the squad particularly meaningful.

“There are a lot of variables that stand in the way. But we show up anyway with spirit.”

That determination comes with a strong sense of belonging. Whether someone is new to the sport or brings experience from another country, Monischa values the welcome they receive and the opportunity to develop together.

“We build with what we’ve got, and we’re happy to grow together.”

Putting progress into practice

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Scotland, Monischa is looking forward to seeing how the Lionesses’ preparation translates onto the field.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our progression, how we differ in play and how fast we’ve found connection within the team this time.”

For a developing squad, each opportunity to play together offers a chance to strengthen combinations and put their learning into practice.

Her advice to anyone considering Rugby League reflects what helped her settle into the sport: take the first step and allow confidence to develop through experience.

“Don’t overthink it. Overthinking never got you anywhere. Take action, and the confidence will follow. And careful—you might even have fun.”

Speaking openly

Monischa also chose to share something deeply personal about her younger years, explaining that raising awareness matters to her.

“When I was younger, I had suicidal thoughts and was depressed. I’m glad to be here today. I think awareness is always important.”

It is an honest reflection on a difficult period in her life, and a message she wanted to share as part of telling her story.

As she prepares to face Scotland alongside her teammates, Monischa brings curiosity, determination and a willingness to keep learning. The confidence she found through being encouraged to try is something she now hopes other women and girls will discover for themselves.

The Dutch Lionesses face Scotland on Saturday 17 October at Castricum Rugby Club, with kick-off at 14:00 local time.